The Best Air Quality in the World
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If you’re wondering where the cleanest air is, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ve compiled a list of seven cities that have the best air quality in the world.
Top seven cities with the cleanest air in the world
The cleanest cities in the world are not necessarily the ones with the lowest levels of pollution. These cities also use solar or wind power, have great public transportation, and promote healthy activities like walking.
In order to determine the most clean air in the world, IQAir ranked more than 6,500 cities. They analyzed fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 microns or less in diameter. Using these numbers, they calculated the mean annual concentration of PM2.5 in ug/m3.
While these numbers might seem small, they are a very important part of determining a city’s air quality. Having a high amount of PM2.5 can lead to long-term health problems.
For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal of achieving air quality that is 0-10 ug/m3. However, only five of the top seven cities in the world have a PM2.5 level below 10 ug/m.
This is a problem because the fine particles that make up PM2.5 are found in dust, smoke, and soot. If they are not removed, they can be toxic to humans and affect respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
Although the list of cleanest cities in the world is quite long, many cities do not even make the top twenty. A few of them, like New Delhi, Bangladesh, and Mongolia, have the worst air in the world.
Of the top seven cities in the world, only one, San Juan, Puerto Rico, has the best air. Another, Honolulu, is among the US’s cleanest.
Reykjavik
Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik is the most pollution free city in the world, according to a study. Several studies have shown an association between air pollution and adverse health effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that seven million people die each year due to poor air quality. It is a concern for sensitive individuals, as the tiny particles in air can reach deep into the lungs.
A new study looked at the association between traffic-related ambient air pollution and heart disease. It showed that daily emergency hospital visits for heart disease are associated with a 10 mg/m3 increase in PM2.5.
Researchers used data from the United States government’s Air Quality Index to assess the air quality in 75 cities. They compared the resulting score to the Environmental Performance Index, a measure of the diversity and integrity of ecosystems. In addition, the researchers looked at the health impacts of air pollution by dispensing medications and determining the number of health care visits for adverse health effects.
The results of the study show that the most common pollutants in the air in Reykjavik were nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particle pollution (PM10). These are the three pollutants most likely to exceed health protection levels.
While the results of the study are good news for people in the Reykjavik area, the study did not determine whether the increased amount of pollution was a cause or a result. However, a more comprehensive study is in the works.
Launceston
Launceston is a city in the north of Tasmania. Its population is approximately 70,000. The city has an industrial and agricultural base. It is also a major service centre for the northern parts of the state.
Although the city is surrounded by hills, its air quality is not considered a health hazard. A small town, it is not as polluted as the larger cities of Melbourne and Sydney.
The city is located at the confluence of the South Esk and North Esk rivers. It is also at the mouth of the Tamar River. It is a seaside city, and its climate is oceanic temperate.
The temperature ranges from a low of 54 degF in January to a high of 76 degF in February. In summer, the temperature can reach 40 degC.
Air pollution in Launceston has declined in recent years. However, the government has warned people against exercising outdoors.
Smoke is a mixture of hundreds of different gases. Most of the smoke that is produced in the city stays in the warm, lower air. People use fireplaces and wood heaters to stay warm.
Launceston is home to a major water resource, the Nunamara Dam. Water from the dam is used to provide most of the town’s water.
In 1877, gold mining began in the area. Today, superfine wool is still important to the economy of north-east Tasmania.
The City of Launceston is the main service centre for the northern part of the island. It is also the headquarters of the University of Tasmania, and the Australian Maritime College.
Hamburg
Hamburg’s air quality is considered to be one of the cleanest in the world. The city’s government has made it a priority to make its environment as clean as possible.
One of the main sources of air pollution in Hamburg is heavy transportation. In addition to cars and trucks, other factors that contribute to the pollution are container ships and tankers.
In an effort to improve its environmental profile, the city of Hamburg has recently introduced a partial ban on diesel vehicles. This measure will help reduce the number of cars on the roads by up to 6,000 per day.
There are also plans to reduce the amount of private incineration. These measures are part of the Clean Air Initiative, which has received a 500 million euro budget from the German government.
Other key topics include avoiding waste, supporting biodiversity and low emission mobility. Some measures focus on increasing the use of public and electric transport.
In addition, the city has a partnership with 300 companies to reduce mobility-induced air pollution. These companies provide training sessions on environmental awareness for their employees.
Although the Clean Air Plan of the city of Hamburg is relatively short, it includes several initiatives to improve air quality. Among other things, the plan addresses nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions, which are one of the main pollutants in the air.
Another important measure is a plan to create an environmental zone for vehicles with low emission levels. However, no stickers will be issued certifying that the vehicle meets the standards.
Spokane
There’s good news and bad news when it comes to the Spokane air quality. On the positive side, the city isn’t as polluted as it was in the past. But it is still considered a “smog capital of the northwest” with an average commute time of 20.1 minutes one-way.
The American Lung Association released its State of the Air report on Tuesday. It found that more cities have seen a lot of high-days of ozone over the last three years.
Despite this, the Spokane air quality remains in compliance with federal clean air standards for the fourteenth straight year. However, in the near future, the region is likely to see little change.
Aside from the usual suspects of smoke from seasonal wildfires, the best air quality in Washington was not the most impressive feat. Unlike previous years, air quality was impacted by common late-summer easterly wind patterns. As a result, many of the region’s highways were choking with thick smoke.
In addition, the most comprehensive measurement of ozone and particle pollution, called the Air Quality Index, ranked Spokane, Washington, as the second-worst for the country. Other parts of the state were ranked higher.
Although it is not clear why air quality in Spokane is so great, there are plenty of factors that can make a difference. For instance, the upcoming wildfire season is a cause for concern. To help mitigate the risk, the Spokane Regional Health District has opened a temporary shelter at the Convention Center.
Finland
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked Finland as the third cleanest air in the world. This is based on its fine particle (PM2.5) concentration which averages six micrograms per cubic metre.
This is lower than the OECD guideline of 14 micrograms per cubic meter. Another country with similar concentrations is Sweden.
Finland also has one of the densest forests in the world. It has the 11th largest green cover in the world.
It is also known for its strict environmental regulations. Finns have a strong connection with nature. They enjoy spending time in the forest.
Finnish citizens are also among the most educated in the OECD. A well-educated population is essential to a country’s economic and social well-being.
Finland has the lowest homicide rate in the OECD. Compared to the OECD’s average of 2.6, Finland’s homicide rate is just 1.2.
Finland’s clean air is a result of its small population. Moreover, it is far from major emission concentrations.
Finland’s low PM2.5 levels also mean that its life expectancy is much higher than that of other countries. Men can expect to live 79 years and women 85 years.
Life expectancy at birth in Finland is 82 years. This is one year longer than the OECD average.
Finland’s fine particle concentration is lower than the OECD’s guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic metre. Other countries with similar concentrations include Norway and Canada. Despite its good air quality, Finland is still at risk of suffering from debilitating illnesses due to air pollution. As a result, it invests in renewable energy and measures to reduce emissions from transport.
Trisha is the lead writer @ AirQualityShop.com She also writes in the wellness and green space. On AirQualityShop.com Trisha specializes in pure air product reviews and DIY articles.